Resisting Revenge and Loving Enemies

Scripture

Matthew 5:38-48

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.40 If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.42 Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Description

Why do we resist revenge and pursue radical self-denial? Why do we resist hatred of enemy and pursue radical love of all people? Because we are God’s children. And when we deny our rights and love and pray for our enemies we tell the world what God is like. A God who is a faithful judge. A God who desires to remove our transgressions from us. As we demonstrate radical mercy we tell the world there is a God who is radically merciful.